A temporary Easter ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 20, 2025, failed to hold, as both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of multiple violations throughout the day. The ceasefire, which was intended to last for 24 hours until midnight Moscow time, was not extended, with the Kremlin confirming that no additional orders had been issued for a continuation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported nearly 3,000 violations by Russian forces, including artillery shelling and ground assaults, particularly near the eastern town of Pokrovsk. He stressed that Ukraine had instructed its military to maintain silence unless provoked, stating that Ukrainian strikes would only be defensive in response to Russian attacks.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry countered the claims, alleging that Ukrainian forces had breached the truce over 1,000 times. Reports included drone operations and artillery fire targeting Russian-controlled areas near the border.

The United States expressed disappointment at the breakdown of the ceasefire. President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. might reassess its involvement in ongoing peace negotiations if tangible progress is not made soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that extending the ceasefire could have provided a significant step toward ending the war, which has now lasted more than three years.

As a gesture of goodwill and a plea for civilian protection, President Zelenskiy proposed a 30-day halt to Russian drone and missile strikes targeting infrastructure and residential areas. He stated that such a pause would demonstrate Russia's willingness to de-escalate and prioritize humanitarian concerns. Failure to agree, he warned, would prove Moscow’s intention to continue inflicting harm on civilians.

In a separate Easter address delivered from the historic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Zelenskiy called on the Ukrainian people to remain strong in their faith and determination. He reminded the nation that while evil may appear to have temporary victories, justice and peace will ultimately prevail.

Despite the symbolic value of the Easter ceasefire, the lack of trust and ongoing hostilities between the two sides continue to hinder efforts toward a permanent resolution. With both military and diplomatic tensions still high, the road to peace remains fraught with uncertainty.